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Conservative Party of Canada

Andrew Scheer

Our History

The Beginning

On October 16th, 2003, the leaders of the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance and the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada announced an agreement-in-principle to unite under a new political banner. In December 2003, the merger was overwhelmingly ratified by members of both parties and the Conservative Party of Canada was officially born. This unification of Canada’s conservative parties restored and rejuvenated the national political movement that has been building a stronger, safer, and better Canada for almost 150 years.

The Return to Power

The new Conservative Party of Canada elected Stephen Harper as its first leader on March 20th, 2004. Shortly after Paul Martin’s Liberal government was defeated on a motion of non-confidence,

Canadians voted for change in a general election on January 23rd, 2006. Two weeks later, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his cabinet were sworn in to lead the new Government of Canada. When the global economic recession threatened, the Harper Government took timely and prudent action to ensure Canada remained on track for long-term stability. Canadians trusted a Conservative Government to continue leading Canada on a path for economic success when faced with another general election in October 2008.

That majority Conservative Government replaced the old Liberal culture of entitlement with a new culture of achievement. With the leadership of Prime Minister Harper, the Conservatives led Canada to economic recovery after the global recession. Thanks in part to Canada’s Economic Action Plan, Canada created 1.2 million net new jobs and led the G7 in economic growth.

The Conservative Government also made life more affordable for hard-working Canadians and their families. By balancing major tax cuts with disciplined debt reduction and focused, prudent spending, the Conservative Government cut taxes over 180 times and lowering the GST tax to 5%. We helped millions of hard-working Canadians save money with Tax-Free Savings Accounts, the single most important personal savings vehicle since the introduction of RRSPs.

By rebuilding our Canadian Forces and adopting a new, values-based foreign policy, the Conservative Government protected Canada’s sovereignty and advanced our national interests on the world stage. Guided by our foundational values – freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, Canada asserted our sovereignty in the Arctic, pursued new international free trade agreements and strengthened our contributions to global security.

Renewal and Growth

On October 19, 2015 Canadians returned a new team of 99 Conservative MPs to Parliament. In a close and hard-fought election, Conservatives faced difficult results across the country while making gains in Quebec.

We can be proud of our Party’s legacy of sound governance. Prime Minister Stephen Harper left Canada with a balanced budget, and with a strong economy supported by low taxes.

In the period of transition following the 2015 election, the new Conservative Official Opposition selected the Hon. Rona Ambrose as interim leader. With Rona as Interim leader, and a strong Conservative team of MPs and volunteers, the Conservative Party acted as a formidable opposition to Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.

In the years ahead, Conservatives will fight to keep taxes low, our country’s finances in check, and look out for everyday working people and their families. Conservative Party members will select a new Leader, and will prepare to fight the 2019 election.

New Leader

On May 27th, 2017, in what turned out to be the biggest leadership race in Canadian history, over 141,000 votes were cast for the new CPC leader.

Andrew Scheer emerged victorious and become the second permanent leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.

With its new leader in place, the Conservative Party is fully prepared to fight the 2019 election and hold Justin Trudeau to account. Until then Conservatives will continue to fight to keep taxes low, our country’s finances in check, and look out for everyday working people and their families.

Another Chapter Begins

Today’s Conservative Party is a vibrant national organization with strong grassroots support from coast to coast to coast. The Party, its caucus, and its members upholding the proud Canadian Conservative tradition.

Over the years, conservatives in Canada have fought elections under many different party banners, but the core principles of the movement have not changed: Canadian conservatives stand for sovereignty and a strong national defence; open federalism and national unity; free enterprise and individual achievement; and the opportunity for all Canadians, regardless of background, to achieve their dreams in a safe, healthy, and prosperous country.

In short, we stand for a Canada that is strong, united, independent, and free.